Lord Mayor supports green initiatives

The Lord Mayor’s Community Sustainability and Environmental Grants Program for 2013/14 will open today, providing community groups with a wonderful opportunity to better Brisbane’s environment.

Lord Mayor Graham Quirk said the grants program would support the city’s dedicated volunteers – comprising of individuals, community groups and schools – to help carry out green initiatives.

“Community groups play a major role in their local areas, helping Council to achieve its vision of a cleaner and greener city,” Cr Quirk said.

“Every day, volunteers across Brisbane are working to protect our city’s biodiversity, enhance the quality of degraded habitats and create spaces where people can network to make a positive difference.

“For these reasons, it’s important we make funding available for them to continue their great work through our grants program.”

Four grant sub-categories are available to assist individuals and community groups undertake important environmental and sustainability initiatives, including:

Cr Quirk said the diverse nature of the grant categories allow a broad cross section of projects to be undertaken.

“The grants will support those who care for sick, injured and orphaned native wildlife, fund key environmental initiatives and help activate the efforts of enthusiastic volunteers who dedicate themselves to the upkeep and improvement of our beautiful community gardens,” he said.

“Council will also offer Sustainability Grants this year to help community groups reduce their energy consumption and costs, and reduce Brisbane’s greenhouse gas emissions.

This financial year, Council will invest $40.7 million towards key natural resource management projects, including Council’s Wipe Out Weeds program and Conservation Reserves Management.

Grant applications close at midnight on 30 September 2013.

For more information about The Lord Mayor’s Community Sustainability and Environmental Grants Program 2013/14, visit www.brisbane.qld.gov.au/grants or call Council on 3403 8888.